1. I don't even know Stephanie and so how could I accuse her of anything. I only wrote "(treasurer)" b/c in most organizations they are the ones with the access to the information. You have made it painfully clear that I do not attend and so how could I know Stephanie or her efforts. Nonetheless, I really do appreciate Stephanie's efforts for the club. It is a great effort with potentially small return for her. That is a great sacrifice.
2. It was a contradiction to post that the information should be posted and later write that it should not be posted. (correction accepted) The latter was the better suggestion. (Dig a pit for someone else though. You got the correction in the second post. Your comment was not your attempt to protect or defend, it was a blatant personal attack with a full knowledge of your victim. I would suggest that personal attacks should be handled in PM unless it is to defend yourself publicly.)
3. "An accounting is in order" is probably a harsh way to say what I meant, but the message remains the same. The intention/implication was misunderstood, but the message was correct.
4. I have attempted to come to meetings. As a matter of fact the last meeting that I came to I did a presentation on drilling glass aquariums for the new people, then donated it to a member. On the other hand, I do own and run a business, go to school full time, have a family, and enjoy other things beside aquariums.
5. If you feel it is necessary, and are trying to make the treasurer feel better I appreciate that, on the other hand, by making this out to be something that it is not you are only making it worse.
6. As far as a group buy goes, I appreciate the effort put out by others. I also offered to help by bringing a truck and trailor and delivering it to your house for others. I am not asking you to thank me or shake my hand. Only accept, and answer simple questions like were answered for others. That did not happen. "Will the boxes be unopened?" A good fair question. You are quick to come to the rescue of some but can not answer simple questions for others.
7. I was not accusing anyone of anything. I thought the concern was pretty clear, money was being asked of the members beyond their dues ($25-$50). I was interested to know how much was left of the club fund and why it was not being used for such a project. "An accounting is in order." If the steps I outlined to get volunteers was used this would not be a concern. People like me try to volunteer for some things when they can and contribute things like mileage, fuel and the use of the trailor for things like the group buy. Asking for more money from members that are going broke trying to keep up with their aquariums is a little much if you ask me, and even if you don't. Allowing them to volunteer is the acceptable alternative.
8. Your last comment was interesting;I thought that I was asking. "Out of interest, what is done with the dues?"
9. To make things apparent for others. Paul has exaggerated and magnified this issue beyond necessity. He has turned my questioning and requests into accusations and implication and things like "some of the old timers" into "numerous old timers" to further exaggerate my statement in an apparent attempt to strengthen his commentary. The probability of a biased conclusion of the officers is a certainty, considering the officers, surely spoken with, have already voiced an opinion on this board, and/or have been influenced by the club President through his remarks on this board.
I must say that I enjoy the freedom to voice opinion on these boards, and usually try to stay out of it if it becomes contentious or the rules are bent a little. On the other hand, we cannot feel that we are not allowed to say anything b/c the officers have voiced their opinions and we do not want to disagree for fear that we will be "black-balled" for lack of a better description. Because we are human and apt to be imperfect, we do form opinions and those opinions do influence our actions whether or not we want to admit it. It has happened, it is happening, and it will happen. Regardless, Paul has been good for the club as a whole and has done several things in an attempt to help me personally. Unfortuneately, these kinds of situations and past comments are what drive other potentially helpful people away. Paul has encouraged me to come to the club meetings. What are the chances that, for somebody who does not come often to begin with, this invite will be accepted and and acted upon? Pretty slim. Maybe a better way to handle something like this situation where someone may have misunderstood the original post and been offended, the Pres. should just PM the alleged victim and reassure them that they have done a marvelous job and move on. To this point, the issue has been blown way out of proportion, fingers have been pointed and presumably private issues have been made public. All for what seems to be a mixture of personal and other feelings.
Mike D
remember this is only a fish club for fun and we dont really have to follow strict parlimentary procedures here...lets just have fun..it is only 20 bucks for god sake
or is it 40..i forgot...as much as paul and the officers has brought to the club, i think it is worth it...and if you think it is hard...try to run for an office next time..
